Grains have been a staple in human diets for thousands of years, providing essential nutrients and sustaining entire civilizations. Some grains have been cultivated and consumed for so long that their origins are shrouded in mystery.
Despite the emergence of modern agricultural practices and the introduction of new crops, ancient grains continue to be celebrated for their unique flavors and nutritional benefits.
Today, we will journey through time to explore the world’s oldest grains and their impact on human history. We will uncover the stories behind these grains and how they have shaped our diets and cultures.
Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of the oldest grains and discover the secrets of their enduring popularity.
9. Bulgur
Time Period: 4,000 years ago
Geographic Origin: Turkey
Protein Content: 3.08 grams
Fiber Content: 4.5 grams
photo source: alphafoodie.com
Bulgur is a cereal grain made from cracked, parboiled durum wheat. It has a long and storied history, dating back thousands of years to the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East. Some of the earliest evidence of bulgur comes from the ancient city of Nippur in present-day Iraq, consumed by the Sumerians as early as 2500 BCE.
Bulgur was an important staple food in these early civilizations, providing energy, protein, and other essential nutrients. It was often used to make porridges, stews, and breads. Bulgur was also used in religious and cultural rituals. It continued to be an important food in the Middle East and was widely consumed in dishes like tabbouleh, kibbeh, and pilafs.
Did You Know?
The use of bulgur also spread to other parts of the world, including the Balkans and the Mediterranean.
8. Buckwheat
Time Period: 5,600 years ago
Geographic Origin: Northern China
Protein Content: 4.3 grams
Fiber Content: 6 grams
photo source: medicalnewmedicalnewstoday.com
Buckwheat is a grain-like seed cultivated for thousands of years and has a rich history in many parts of the world. It is believed that buckwheat originated in central Asia, in what is now present-day China and Tibet. From there, it spread to other parts of Asia, including Japan, Korea, and the Himalayan region.
It was introduced to Europe during the Middle Ages and became a popular crop in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe. Buckwheat was prized for its hardiness and ability to grow in poor soils, making it a valuable crop for farmers in marginal areas. It was also valued for its nutritional properties, as it is high in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids.
Did You Know?
In the United States, buckwheat became an important crop in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in the northeastern states. It was used to make pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast foods and as a feed for livestock.
7. Quinoa
Time Period: 6,000 years ago
Geographic Origin: South America
Protein Content: 8 grams
Fiber Content: 5 grams
photo source: Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council
Quinoa is a grain-like seed cultivated in the Andean region of South America for over 6,000 years. It was a staple food for the Incas, who called it the “mother grain” and believed it sacred. Quinoa was grown in the high altitudes of the Andes, where it thrived in harsh conditions and provided a source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
It was often used in religious ceremonies and was considered a symbol of health and abundance. With the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, quinoa cultivation declined as the Incas were forced to abandon their traditional agricultural practices. Quinoa was also viewed as a “pagan” crop by the Spanish colonizers and was banned in some areas.
Did You Know?
Quinoa is gluten-free, making it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
6. Teff
Time Period: 6,000 years ago
Geographic Origin: Ethiopia, Africa
Protein Content: 7 grams
Fiber Content: 4 grams
photo source: The Vegan Atlas
Teff was a staple food for the ancient Ethiopian civilization and is still a major source of nutrition for many people in Ethiopia and neighboring countries. It makes a traditional flatbread called injera, with various stews and dishes. It is well-suited to the Ethiopian climate and soil conditions, as it can grow in hot, dry conditions with little water.
In recent years, teff has gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in the United States and Europe, as a nutritious and gluten-free grain. It is used in various dishes, including porridge, bread, and baked goods.
Did You Know?
Teff is the smallest grain in the world, with seeds about the size of a poppy seed.
5. Millet
Time Period: 7,500 years ago
Geographic Origin: East Africa
Protein Content: 3.51 grams
Fiber Content: 1.3 grams
photo source: Wikipedia
Millet is well-suited to the hot, dry conditions of the Sahel, where it can grow with very little water. In Asia, millet has been cultivated for over 7,000 years, particularly in India and China. It was a major crop in ancient China used to make porridge and other dishes.
Today, India is the largest producer of millet in the world, with several varieties of millet cultivated throughout the country. Millet is highly nutritious, with high protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. It is also gluten-free, making it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Did You Know?
Millet is used in a variety of dishes around the world, from porridge and bread to soups, stews, and even alcoholic beverages. It is also used as animal feed, particularly for birds and poultry.
4. Spelt
Time Period: 5,000 to 8,000 years ago
Geographic Origin: Iran, Southeastern Europe
Protein Content: 5.5 grams
Fiber Content: 4 grams
photo source: Healthline
Spelt is an ancient grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is believed to be a hybrid of emmer wheat and wild goatgrass and was first cultivated over 8,000 years ago. Spelt was a major crop in ancient European civilizations, particularly in the Mediterranean. It was used to make a variety of breads, porridges, and other dishes.
Today, spelt is experiencing a resurgence in popularity as people rediscover its unique flavor and nutritional benefits. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, and is also lower in gluten than modern wheat varieties. Spelt is used in various dishes, including bread, pasta, and baked goods. It is also used as animal feed, particularly for horses.
Did You Know?
The Romans also used spelt as food for their armies, and it was a staple crop in many European countries for centuries.
3. Barley
Time Period: about 10,000 years ago
Geographic Origin: Southwest Asia
Protein Content: 12.5 grams
Fiber Content: 17.3 grams
photo source: Encyclopedia Britannica
Barley is one of the oldest grains cultivated by humans, with a history dating back to the Stone Age. It is believed that barley was first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent, an area in the Middle East that spans modern-day Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon, around 10,000 years ago.
Barley was a staple crop in ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Greeks, who used it to make bread, porridge, and beer. In fact, beer made from barley was popular in many cultures, including the ancient Egyptians, who believed it had medicinal properties.
Did You Know?
The importance of barley continued into the Middle Ages when it was widely used in Europe for making bread and beer. It was also used as a feed grain for livestock.
2. Emmer
Time Period: approximately 11,000 years ago
Geographic Origin: Turkey
Protein Content: 13.3 grams
Fiber Content: 6,7 grams
photo source: Wikipedia
Emmer is a type of wheat closely related to modern-day durum wheat and was one of the first crops to be domesticated in the Fertile Crescent. This area encompasses parts of modern-day Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. It was an important food source for early civilizations, including the ancient Egyptians and Greeks.
It was widely used to make bread, porridge, and other staples. Emmer was also used to make beer in ancient Egypt. Emmer is a good source of protein, dietary fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including iron and zinc. It is also known for its sustainability and ability to thrive in various climates and soil types.
Did You Know?
Emmer requires fewer inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides, than modern wheat varieties, making it a more environmentally friendly crop.
1. Einkorn
Time Period: 30,000 years ago
Geographic Origin: Turkey
Protein Content: 13.3 grams
Fiber Content: 6.7 grams
photo source: Naturally Ella
Einkorn is widely recognized as the oldest grain in the world, with a history of cultivation dating back thousands of years. Einkorn has recently seen a surge in popularity due to its unique flavor, nutritional benefits, and gluten content that is lower than modern wheat varieties.
It has a nutty, slightly sweet taste and is a popular ingredient in various baked goods, soups, and stews. As a gluten-containing grain, einkorn may not be suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, einkorn’s nutritional benefits are impressive for those who can tolerate gluten.
Einkorn is also prized for its sustainability and ability to thrive in various climates and soil types. It requires fewer inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides, than modern wheat varieties, making it a more environmentally friendly crop.
Did You Know?
Einkorn has a nutty, slightly sweet taste and a chewy texture, popular in baked goods, soups, and stews.